Executive Team
The CEO, along with his Executive Team, oversees the day-to-day operations of WDBA in accordance with the Board’s direction
Bryce Phillips
Chief Executive Officer
Bryce Phillips joined Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as its CEO following an appointment by the Government of Canada in July 2018 and brings more than 35 years of experience as an executive in the infrastructure and energy sectors. Bryce most recently served as Vice President of Kinectrics where he oversaw major infrastructure projects for a broad range of clients in North America and in Europe. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Technical Support Services for AMEC, a company providing nuclear safety solutions for nuclear power plants worldwide. He also held key leadership positions at the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations, including Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Deputy Vice President and Senior Vice President. Among his many accomplishments, Bryce worked with the board of directors and led his team to achieve the Institute of Nuclear Operations Excellence Award for quality and safety, a first in the world for a four-unit nuclear facility. A native of Windsor, Ontario, Mr. Phillips holds an engineering degree from the University of Windsor.
Dries Brand
Vice President, Project Management
Dries Brand holds a B.Eng. degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Pretoria, South Africa and he is an APEGA-registered Professional Engineer. Dries is an accomplished senior Project and Business Leader with significant international experience and a successful track record spanning over 28 years in general management, project management, business development, business operations management and engineering management. Prior to joining WDBA, Dries was a Program Director at Jacobs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he led, oversaw and directed the activities of a portfolio of three Project Management Office (PMO) programs for the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) – the Technical Affairs & Projects program, the O&M program and the Corporate Project Management Office program, which totalled over $20B in projects. He also was Director, Project Development at Methanex Corporation where he led the front-end development of the new-build $1.7B brownfield Medicine Hat 4 methanol expansion project.
Heather Grondin
Vice President, Corporate Affairs
and External Relations
Heather Grondin has 20 years of experience in communications strategic planning and delivery. Prior to joining Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, she was the Senior Manager of Communications and Issues Management at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation leading the communications and consultation efforts for the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway and the Manager of Corporate Communications with Public Works and Government Services Canada – Ontario Region. Heather leads an integrated team of strategic planning, policy and outreach professionals to deliver a robust and dynamic communications program for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Ann Herten
Vice President, Human Resources
Ann Herten has 30 years of experience in human resources and health and safety, serving most recently as Vice President Human Resources in Canadian world-class automotive and aerospace manufacturing, technology, and engineering organizations such as Multimatic Inc., Stackpole International and Bombardier Aerospace. She has held responsibility at home in Canada and abroad (including expatriate assignments in Europe and Asia) for the management of complex organizational change projects such as joint-ventures, merger and acquisition integrations, cultural transformation, and greenfield start-ups. She holds a B.A. degree in Social Development Studies from the University of Waterloo, a Labour Relations Certificate from Queens University and an International Coach Federation (ICF) Executive Coaching Certificate from IECL (Australia) and has served on several Boards.
Mike St. Amant
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Mike St. Amant oversees financial and process improvement matters for one of North America’s largest infrastructure projects: the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Previous to joining WDBA, Mike spent a decade with the City of Toronto, working as Director of Accounting and later City Treasurer. Under his leadership, the City implemented PS3150 Tangible Capital Assets, updated SAP Financials, merged four city pension funds with OMERS, and oversaw Toronto's Supply Chain Transformation initiative. He was also a key member of the oversight team for the Toronto-York Spadina Subway extension - a $3.1 billion project involving the federal and provincial government, Region of York, Toronto Transit Commission, and the City of Toronto.
Grant Hilbers
Vice President, Special Projects – Michigan Liason
Grant Hilbers has 24 years of experience in the design, construction, and start-up of large infrastructure projects and management of complex environmental compliance programs. He has held a variety of roles in consulting, private enterprise, and government entities in both Canada and the United States. He holds a Masters in Environmental Engineering from the University of Windsor and an MBA from the University of Michigan – Dearborn and is a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Michigan and Province of Ontario. Grant values professional development and, to that end, has held leadership roles in a number of technical organizations including the Air and Waste Management Association and American Society for Quality.
Vicky Tuquero
General Counsel
Vicky Tuquero has more than 15 years of experience as both legal counsel and a private practicing lawyer. Her expertise is in commercial transactions, including contract negotiation and drafting, real estate transactions, and procurement both in a public setting and through the evolving public-private partnership (P3) model. Vicky also has significant experience on cross-border litigation matters in Canada and the United States and has helped develop major projects in the field of infrastructure, construction, engineering and real estate.